Archive for the 'Chuck Negron' Tag Under 'Soundcheck' Category

Here's further proof of the enduring power of catchy mainstream pop-rock: Colorado group OneRepublic and Irish band the Script will make almost a clean sweep of Southern California’s largest outdoor venues in June.

Back in December, when the first two nearby dates were announced, it already seemed like a possibly over-ambitious outing, as Ryan Tedder & Co.’s headlining outing had booked a June 5 debut at the Hollywood Bowl ($29.50-$87.50) along with a June 2 stop at equally sprawling Sleep Train Amphitheatre in Chula Vista ($26-$95).

Late last week, however, OneRepublic added another batch of dates to its North American trek – including a June 3 appearance at Verizon Wireless Amphitheater in Irvine. Tickets, $29.50-$75, go on sale Friday, Feb. 14, at 10 a.m.

Tim McGraw: His return to O.C., May 18 at Verizon with Cassadee Pope opening, shouldn’t come as a surprise to fans; it was initially offered as part of Live Nation’s still-available Country Megaticket promotion. Remaining seats and lawn spots, though, go on sale Friday at 10 a.m., $21-$61.

• A fine mix at the Coach House – It's an eclectic week at the venerable San Juan Capistrano club (33157 Camino Capistrano), starting with another visit from famed guitarist and songwriter Dave Mason, who plays tonight with Gunboat Kings and 11th Floor. Tickets, $35, are very limited and only available by calling the venue.

• Rush – The influential Canadian trio, still unchanged after nearly 40 years together – Geddy Lee on bass and vocals, Alex Lifeson on guitar, Neil Peart their drummer extraordinaire – returns to O.C. with two reasons to celebrate: their 19th album, June's Clockwork Angels, has garnered some of the best reviews and sales of their career, and the prog-rock pioneers finally seem bound for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame come March. They arrive this weekend for two shows, Saturday night at Honda Center in Anaheim (2695 E. Katella Ave.), $60.50-$164.50, followed by Monday's gig at the smaller (but further) Gibson Amphitheatre at Universal CityWalk (100 Universal City Plaza), $70-$158.50. Both shows have 7:30 start times and no opening acts. It's a full two-set night of nothing but Rush. 800-745-3000. ticketmaster.com.

• Steve Winwood – In recent years, here and abroad, this Hall of Famer has been seen opening for fellow legends like Tom Petty and Eric Clapton. So it's a treat for fans that the 64-year-old figure star of Traffic and Blind Faith has finally returned for a headlining performance tonight at the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles (2700 N. Vermont Ave.). The Wood Brothers open at 7:30. Tickets are $39.50-$75. 800-745-3000. ticketmaster.com, greektheatrela.com.

Richard Butler of the Psychedelic Furs at the Grove in 2010. Photo: Kelly A. Swift, for the Register

Put it down to this being election week or just the wrong time of year for major tour announcements, but whatever the reason, it's a noticeably quieter time for new shows going on sale.

The biggest local news is at one of O.C.'s smaller venues: Perennial new wave favorite the Psychedelic Furs will join up with veteran California act Dramarama for a New Year's Eve bash at House of Blues Anaheim.

Tickets go on sale Friday, Nov. 9, at 10 a.m., with general admission going for $47.50 in advance, $52.50 at the door. VIP packages range from $80 to $97.50.

Further up Katella Avenue, at City National Grove of Anaheim, metal supergroup Down, fronted by Pantera's Phil Anselmo, will bring its Weed and Speed Tour to the venue on Jan. 18, with Warbeast opening. Tickets, $25 in advance, $27.50 day of show, are on sale Friday at noon. (Catch that Jan. 16 at the Key Club as well.)